By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mike Igini, has warned that Nigeria’s electoral system is facing serious legal and institutional risks ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing certain provisions in the Electoral Act as dangerous landmines capable of undermining democracy.
Igini, a senior lawyer, known for his strong advocacy on electoral integrity, said the combination of a weakened judiciary and loopholes in electoral laws is creating opportunities for political manipulation of the democratic process.
He expressed concern over what he described as the increasing judicialisation of politics in Nigeria, where courts are now being forced to determine electoral outcomes and party leadership disputes.
According to him, this trend exposes the judiciary to political pressure and risks turning it into what he described as an expanded arena for political influence rather than strictly legal adjudication.
“Whenever courts of law are now made to answer political questions instead of legal questions, there will be efforts by politicians to capture the judicial system,” he said.
He added that historical experience, particularly in 18th century England, showed why courts were traditionally shielded from electoral determinations due to fears of manipulation.
“This was the fear of the English people in the 18th century that courts should not be involved in determining election matters,” he noted.
Igini also raised alarm over specific provisions of the Electoral Act, especially Sections 63, 138, and 137, which he argued could weaken electoral integrity if not urgently reviewed.
He alleged that Section 63 allows presiding officers to accept ballot papers without official INEC security features if the officer is satisfied, warning that this could open the door to abuse.
“Ballot paper that does not bear the official security features of INEC should be accepted by the presiding officer. They are going to print their own ballot paper to be accepted. This is dangerous, he said.
On Section 138, he said it limits accountability by shielding electoral officers from being properly challenged in election petitions where guidelines are breached.
“They have provided immunity that it shall not be necessary to bring presiding officers to the tribunal,” he said.
He also warned that Section 137 reduces the need for oral evidence in cases involving certified election documents, which could weaken the ability of tribunals to properly interrogate disputed results.
Igini recalled past elections where adhoc staff were allegedly compromised, including cases involving inducement and political pressure, arguing that weak safeguards worsen such vulnerabilities.
He called on the National Assembly to urgently revisit the Electoral Act, warning that failure to act could erode public trust in the system ahead of future elections.
“A stone seen coming should not blind the eye. The ballot is the foundation. We must work hard to ensure democracy survives,” he said.
Igini said opposition participation remains vital to democratic stability, stressing that credible elections and strong institutions are the foundation of national progress
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